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District receives geothermal test report; fewer wells likely, location near practice fields under consideration
Summary
A geothermal feasibility report indicates the district might need 10 wells for full geothermal utilization and possibly as few as eight wells when paired with high-efficiency boilers; the likely drill field is east of the stadium/practice fields, but exact placement has not been finalized.
The school board received an update on construction and geothermal testing during the Oct. 14 meeting. Superintendent Dr. Hillman said the geothermal test report showed fewer wells would be required than earlier projections.
Hillman explained the district plans to use a Darcy (deep) geothermal system, which requires drilling deeper but typically needs far fewer boreholes than a shallow loop system. Early estimates suggested 11 wells; the test report indicated 10 wells would achieve full geothermal utilization. Hillman said the project team is exploring pairing the geothermal field with high-efficiency boilers to provide redundancy and reduce peak boiler use; with that hybrid approach the system could require as few as eight wells.
Board members asked about the physical footprint. Hillman said the likely area for boreholes is east of the stadium, on or adjacent to the current football practice fields and near the drive from Division Street toward the gymnasium entrance. Final siting decisions and the exact number of wells remain to be determined.
Ending: The district reported the geothermal findings as favorable compared with initial projections and will continue refining well counts, system design and siting options before final decisions.
